Coach Andy
Growing up in Yorkshire, England, I was immersed in an environment that bred resilience and adventure from a young age. Rugby was my introduction to team sports, instilling in me the value of resilience, while family treks across the rugged terrains of the UK’s national parks sparked my enduring love for running and cycling, particularly off-road.
My athletic journey began with throwing, representing my school in javelin, but it was in the muddy fields of cross-country running where I truly found my calling. This passion for distance running over challenging terrain flourished as I settled in the Peak District, becoming an active member and race organizer with The Holmfirth Harriers. Notably, I introduced ‘The School Run’ to our local ‘Summer Wine Trails’ race series, focusing on nurturing young fell runners.
Professional highlights of my athletic career include completing a 200km run across three major national parks and braving the winter chill in the mountain marathon, The Trigger. These experiences not only tested my endurance but also allowed me to meet and learn from many inspirational figures, including the renowned Brownlee brothers and everyday heroes of the fell running community—resilient individuals who embrace challenges with a smile.
My coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: training should be both fun and hard. I strive to create an environment where young athletes are motivated by the joy of physical activity and the camaraderie of an active community, yet challenged to grow and develop foundational values that mold winners. My aim is to help athletes finish each session tired yet smiling, equipped with a belief in their capabilities and the resilience to pursue them.